Where Did You Find God Today?

I feed him twice a day and make sure he has water. I give him fresh bedding and keep his environment between 65F-75F so he stays healthy. I talk with him and hold him. Slowly, this little furry friend has grown to trust and rely on me, a big giant human that towers over him like a mountain and could squish him with my stomp. I don’t speak guinea pig, yet he understands my tone and my gentle, caring touch. He responds to the sound of my voice and perks up when he realizes I am in his presence. And when he becomes startled by a loud noise, I pick him up and cuddle him until his heartbeat settles again.

While I am home, I raise the door on his cage and he never tries to escape. Though I do sense he enjoys me being nearby as I work at my computer because he makes chortles and wheeks to get my attention.

Cavies, as guinea pigs are often called, are timid creatures. Their tendency is to hide from predators, especially ones that swoop down from above. They prefer strong boundaries, such as caves or tunnels. So it amazes me that one of them would actually bond to this big ol’ human on two feet that soars above him and can pick him up in one hand. But, it happened fairly quickly.

Still, I wonder what goes on in his tiny, fur-covered brain. Would I be satisfied if our roles were reversed? Could I live in a cage, totally dependent on someone to take care of me and see that I received what I need each day to survive? Would I be content or crave freedom? Would I be compliant or rebel?

Then I sucked in a breath as I realized I am like my guinea pig. My cage is the boundaries set by the Word of God. As long as I stay within them, I am secure and safe. God provides my every need (Matthew 6:25-33) if I seek Him as my Savior. He holds me and carries me, protects me, and comforts me as my great Shepherd. And do I dare say He smiles when I realize He is present in my life? Scripture tells me He does.

The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

Our human brains fool us into believing we can survive on our own, be independent, and not need anyone else for our survival. Our hearts and souls tell us differently. Freedom is not doing what we what when we want. It is the ability to roam safely and securely within our given, natural limits. Contentment comes once we realize it.

Lord, help me be more like a guinea pig, trusting in your protective, caring love and staying within the safe boundaries of your Word and the guidance of your Holy Spirit. Let me crave the sound of your voice in my soul, and respond to you in prayer and supplication, praise, and thanksgiving. May I always feel your presence in my life, more caring than any human touch. Instill in me total trust that you will provide for me and never leave me. Thank you for all you have and will provide. Amen.